Here at Best4Garden we have had a number of questions from our customers asking about how to use and install root barrier. In this how-to, we will explain how to install root barriers simply.
If the barrier is to prevent neighbours plants entering your garden:
- Dig a trench around 1 to 2 inches shorter than the barriers depth.
- Place the barrier against your fence and backfill the soil to hold it in place
- It is important to leave a few inches above the ground in case the roots or rhizomes try to grow over the barrier.
- The edges only need holding together whilst the soil compacts against it.
- The few inches left above the ground are in case the roots or rhizomes try to grow over the barrier.
If the barrier is to go around plants or trees:
- Dig a trench around the area to a depth of 1 to 2 inches shorter than the barriers depth.
- Place the barrier in the trench leaning against the side closest to your plants
- Overlap the edges by 3 foot (around 1 meter) and secure the ends together with some tape.
- The edges only need holding together whilst the soil compacts against it.
- The few inches left above the ground are in case the roots or rhizomes try to grow over the barrier.
Important:
- Check the barrier every few months to see that the roots and rhizomes are not starting to grow over the barrier. If they are just cut them back and keep an eye on them.
- If you need to cut the barrier use garden shears, a stanley knife or metal cutters.
- No special tape is required for taping the barrier, so long as the tape is strong enough to hold the sides together whilst you finish installing the barrier.
